N-halochitosans, their preparation and uses

Abstract

A process for inducing flocculation involving the mixing of an aqueous solution of a chitosan salt with a material to be flocculated (e.g., oil, algae, or the like) and then adding a halogenating agent (e.g., sodium hypochlorite) thus forming a N-halochitosan.

We claim: 
     
       1. A process for flocculation, comprising the steps of: mixing an aqueous solution of a chitosan salt with a material to be flocculated and then adding a halogenating agent. 
     
     
       2. The process of claim 1 wherein the material to be flocculated is oil. 
     
     
       3. The process of claim 1 wherein the material to be flocculated is algae.